Supernatural Contest Guide

For Travis Rice, the goal of Supernatural “Is to have a rider do a single, two-minute run that can stand up to a two-minute video part.” The rider who puts a run like that together could be considered the best all-around snowboarder in the world. For the idea to be possible though, Travis needed a next-level course, the riders to send it, and new approach to snowboard contests. Here’s what you need to know about how it will all go down on Saturday, February 4 at Baldface Lodge, BC.

Despite the insane amount of planning and preparation that went into creating the Supernatural course, none of it would matter without good snow. While most of North America received low snowfall so far this winter, Baldface has been hit with a series of storms that have brought its snowpack to near average levels. The backcountry setting means that weather and avalanche danger also play a role in determining if and when the contest goes down, especially since sloughing is predicted on the first and steepest section of the course. Waiting for the right conditions is why the event was given a six-day holding period, similar to a surf contest. With snow “stability reasonably good” according to lead guide Demian Whitley, and sun in the forecast, the contest will kick off Saturday, the first day of the holding period.

Dropping Order

Given that runs are done on pow and meant to mimic a backcountry filming session, the dropping order of the riders is crucial. Going first is a definite disadvantage since the other riders get to see where the sketchy sections are, and going last sucks because the course will be more tracked out. Riders get no practice runs so they’ll have to send it first try, just like filming in the backcountry.

To select the dropping order the riders competed in a sort of triathlon on Friday afternoon made up of an ax throw, timed nail pound, and timed beacon search, where each is ranked first through 18th. The rider that places first gets to call his drop-in position followed by the other riders in order. Most riders felt that dropping fourth was the best spot to be in and as predicted, Northwest woodsman Lucas Debari, who qualified first picked just that position.

The mile-long setup, with close to 100 features to choose from, will be a test of endurance with runs lasting an estimated two-minutes. X Games slopestyle runs, in comparison, last an average of 45 seconds on groomed slopes, meaning Supernatural is going to be as much about stamina as it is about skill. Looks like we’ll see who’s been eating their Wheaties.

Judging

Head judge Tom Burt with Gigi Rüf. PHOTO Christian Pondella

The contest will be judged by Tom Burt, Andy Hetzel, Temple Cummins, Shin Campos, Bryan Iguchi, and Mel Simmons on four criteria: line choice and creativity of the line, air and style , flow, and control for overall impression out of 100. An average run will score around 50 and winning run will likely be in the 90s.

“Judging is much more subjective in this type of contest because it’s not like someone has to take the same line,” says Head Judge, Tom Burt. “Someone might choose something that you never thought of doing and you’ll be like ‘Whoa, who would have thought that?’ Creativity will be valuable.”

Riders will get two runs to post the highest possible score, with the top nine moving to a third and final run. The third run will be a chance to better previous scores, but in the end it’s best run of three that counts.

There’s 75,000 dollars up for grabs at the Red Bull Supernatural but there’s a lot more at stake than just money when there’s the potential to crown the best all-around rider in the world on Saturday. The stage has been set. Now it’s time to drop in.